My resolution for 2015

How’s this for a New Year’s resolution for 2015?

“As 2014 comes to an end, I resolve to focus less on the 10 million or so situations and problems that are completely beyond my control and focus more on specific problems and challenges I can do something about.”

Like all resolutions, this one is obviously much easier to talk about (and write about) than it is to put into action. But wouldn’t your life and mine be different – and better – if we worried less and focused more on positive and concrete action?

More and more, it seems, this world is filled with massive problems. Crazy problems. Unbelievably outrageous and ridiculous problems. And parts of the planet that by and large had been a positive influence now sometimes seem to be part of the problem. Can’t say, for example, that I have a lot of confidence in the American government. But really, what am I going to do to improve the quality of the most influential government in the world?

Keep calm and fly on

More recently, I have attempted to pray for people in the present administration. Private prayer, I realized once again, does a lot more good than passive criticism. But aside from communicating with the Super Power that makes all other “super powers” look pathetic, there isn’t much that I can do personally – unless of course you have some suggestions.

Here’s the situation: The American people will have to deal with the American government in the years to come. I wish them well, and plan to focus primarily on my own country and my own life.

Over to Asia. Sadly, as you probably know, Air Asia has been in the news as of late because of a missing plane which was found today in pieces in the Java Sea. When a plane goes down, anywhere in the world, anxiety usually goes way up – up, up, and away. These stories capture our imagination. And stress sets in. Yes, planes crash from time to time. We all know this happens. And when planes crash, people die.

But again, what am I going to do about this tragic situation? Not much. I feel bad for the people on that plane and for the families affected. But what can I do to fix this situation or avoid one like it in the future? Very little. Should I now resolve to walk everywhere? Would that help? Should I boycott flying and paddle my canoe to the other side of the ocean? Would that be the answer? Should I stay home and stay inside and never leave again?

Any other creative suggestions? Just looking for answers and options.

The only real option, as far as I can tell, is to keep on living and keep on flying from time to time because that is what I need to do. Keep calm, as they say, and fly on. That’s the only realistic option.

The idea, of course, isn’t to do nothing about problems and significant perils that wise people routinely make sure they prepare for. This lone resolution, rather, is all about picking appropriate problems, while ignoring millions of others, and then going to work. This suggested resolution raises two important questions: (1) What do I need to pay less attention to in the new year? and, (2) What do I need to pay more attention to in 2015?

How about you? How would you begin to answer these questions? Which pressing problems or projects require your focused and personal attention in the coming days?